This UK-wide project by award-winning artist Hetain Patel, commissioned by Artangel, explores the country through the hobbies people love.
Central to the project is a new film by Patel, blending high-end cinematic production with everyday scenes that highlight the joy and dedication found in pastimes often enjoyed quietly at home or with friends.
Launched in January 2024 with a public call-out, people across the UK shared stories about their hobbies and why they matter.
The project shows how people express themselves through what they make, collect, and do. Some began hobbies during lockdown; others have pursued them for decades, finding comfort, connection, or creative outlet.
At Tate St Ives, the film is shown alongside a small display of hobbyists’ objects. On 30 November, Devon and Cornwall hobbyists will lead the Winter Festival — a day celebrating creative passions.
The project tours UK venues through 2026.
Hetain Patel is an award-winning British-Gujarati artist and filmmaker. Much of his practice is derived from his childhood hobbies and interests, including his lifelong passion for Spider-Man. In 2013, the artist created his first sculpture, Fiesta Transformer, when he converted his car into a real-life Transformer robot with the help of his father. Come As You Really Are, an Artangel commission, is Patel’s most ambitious and far-reaching project to date.
Come As You Really Are by Hetain Patel
Commissioned and Produced by Artangel.
In partnership with Tate St Ives, Cornwall; Factory International, Manchester; Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, Swansea; Grundy Art Gallery, Blackpool; Museum of Making, Derby Museums Trust; National Festival of Making with Blackburn Museum & Art Gallery; Wolverhampton Art Gallery; Barnsley Civic; Inverness Museum and Art Gallery; Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art, Sunderland; CCA Derry~Londonderry; and Hospitalfield Arbroath.
Supported by Artangel’s Guardian Angels.
With thanks to Creative Lives
